Appalachian State used a strong first half to build a double-digit lead. The Mountaineers took their largest lead of the game at 35-21 when Healy made two free throws with 3:59 left.

Western Carolina almost overcame the deficit, trimming the Mountaineers' lead to 65-64 when James Sinclair scored on a layup with 2:06 left in the second half. But the Catamounts pulled no closer, as Appalachian State closed out the game with a 9-1 run.

Trey Sumler scored 21 points but had eight turnovers for Western Carolina (8-14, 5-5), which has lost three straight games. Sinclair finished with 17 points.

Research Notes

Nathan Healy of Appalachian State had 24 points, eight rebounds and seven steals on Saturday against Western Carolina. He is the first Division I player to reach those thresholds in a game this season.